When to Plant Peas in Clay County, FL
May in the garden — Clay County, Florida
May is a pivotal month for Clay County, Florida gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Basket week: peas
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: peas
Peas are a cool-season legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil. Garden peas are shelled, while snap and snow peas are eaten pod and all.
Clay County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 282 days.
At an elevation of 122 feet, Clay County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Peas may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Peas will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Peas root diseases.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Clay County
How your county's soil matches Peas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–5.8) is more acidic than Peas prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Clay County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Peas will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Peas.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Peas.
How to Plant Peas
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Peas
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 02.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Peas
Peas needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Peas Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 2.5" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Clay County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Peas Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Peas Planting Timeline — Clay County, FL
Peas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 21 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Direct Sow | January 28 | Jan 28 – Feb 18 |
| Harvest | April 15 | Apr 15 – Jun 10 |
| Fall Sowing | October 2 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 4" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
55–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
282 days in Clay County
Growing Tips for Peas in Clay County
Direct sow Peas outdoors after February 18 in Clay County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Clay County dries quickly — mulch Peas with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in Clay County reach 99°F — grow Peas as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Common pests for Peas in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow as early as soil can be worked in spring. Inoculate seeds with rhizobium for best nitrogen fixation. Provide trellising for climbing varieties.
Recommended Peas Varieties for Clay County
Heat-tolerant peas — plant very early or as fall crop
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Very easy to save. Self-pollinating means varieties stay true.
Peas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Peas in Clay County, FL?
Clay County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 18. Plan your Peas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clay County, FL?
Clay County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and first fall frost is November 27.
Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Clay County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.